Gas emergency and pipeline service Wales & West Utilities (WWU) has launched an innovative sustainability project that’s turning waste glass into new opportunities for greener infrastructure.
The initiative, Gwydr Gwyrdd, sees glass recycled and blended with traditional aggregate materials to create sustainable reinstatement materials which, if trials prove successful, will be used across the company’s entire network.
In partnership with Recresco, the trailblazing project in the gas utilities sector explores a closed-loop recycling process that could see glass bottles enjoyed in bars on a Saturday night transformed into road materials used in the same location just weeks later. This approach aligns with WWU’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while delivering safe, cost-effective, high-quality solutions for the communities it serves.
Darren Pridham is Wales & West Utilities Operator License Compliance Lead for Transport and is also responsible for the commercial element of aggregate supply and delivery. He is leading the project and explains:
“The main goal of the project is to replace traditional dust products with a certified blend of recycled glass and aggregate, helping to cut carbon emissions while improving material performance.
“We are currently working to improve trial blends to ensure the new material meets both safe operational and environmental standards, but we expect the blend to contribute to significant cost savings and sustainability gains across our vast mains replacement programme.”
Trials are currently underway in Exeter, with local vendor, Supastone, where early results have been promising. At the same time, Wales & West Utilities is engaging vendors across south Wales and the south west of England to explore opportunities for wider implementation. Certification is in progress, with the ambition to expand the approach to Type 1 materials once testing and approvals are complete.
Charlotte Davies, Supply Chain Manager from Recresco, said:
“We are delighted to partner with Wales & West Utilities on this project, which showcases how innovation in recycling can drive meaningful change in essential infrastructure.
“Since 1970, Recresco has been at the forefront of glass recycling and reprocessing, leading the transition toward a more sustainable and circular economy. What began as a commitment to responsible glass recovery has evolved into a mission to redefine how glass is collected, processed, and reused — turning waste into valuable resources that power a greener future.”
Darren added:
“This project represents another important milestone in our journey toward a more sustainable future. By reimagining waste as a resource, we are supporting environmental and net-zero targets, while demonstrating innovation in sustainable infrastructure.
“We are proud to be using everyday materials that can be given a second life, which benefits both the planet and the communities we serve across Wales and the south west of England.”
Wales & West Utilities is the gas emergency and pipeline service, delivering energy to over 7.5 million people across Wales and the south west of England. We don’t sell gas; we transport it through an extensive underground network of more than 35,000 kilometres of pipes.
If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 immediately. Trained engineers are available 24/7 to respond and keep you safe.